RETROSPECTION: MY DC 'TOP TASTES’ - 2010

It's a new year! And with every new year comes a little retrospect of all that was.

While my 2010 was jam-packed with travels, my food experience was just as plentiful. 2010 was, more or less, a year that allowed me to re-explore the DC that I once knew: vibrant, bustling, and classy. The amazing thing about the city is how much things have changed since 2004, especially where food is concerned. While the city’s food landscape is still trying to figure itself out (Truth: I’m over tapas and small plates already, DC…), it looks like its canvas is becoming awash with the modern day “gastro-pub” fare. It’s no wonder, then, that two of my five favorite “tastes” from 2010 come from local modern day public houses. Take a look:

MY DC 'TOP TASTES’ - 2010

5. Fried Chicken & Waffles (Belgian waffle, butter pecans, maple-chicken jus) – Birch & Barley, 1337 14^th Street NW

This is a sophisticated take on the fabled favorite. While it may come off as too refined, especially compared to the likes of down-home favorites like Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles, B&B's version is certainly full of texture & flavor.

4. Arancini Alla Salsiccia Di Cinghiale (fried risotto balls stuffed with wild boar sausage & provolone) – Potenza, 1430 H Street NW

One might argue that any kind of pasta that's rolled-up into a ball & fried is a good time. What these have above the rest: delicate risotto, and the flavorful bursts that come along with the sausage.

3. Creekstone Farms Hanger Steak (watercress salad, maitre’d butter, chips) – Againn, 1099 New York Avenue NW

Any steak-lover will agree that a hanger steak is one flavor-packed cut of meat! And the folks at Againn do theirs much justice.

2. Hungarian Lamb Sausage (braised lamb goulash & potato dumplings) – Lyon Hall, 3100 N. Washington Boulevard, Arlington (VA)

European fare is sausage-ful, and this dish from Lyon Hall is a savory food-lover's dream. The potato dumplings nicely offset the mild spiciness of the sausage.

1. BLT (crispy pork belly, baby arugula, tomato jam, rustic bread) – Cure Bar + Bistro, 1000 H Street NW

Bacon in the guise of pork belly. Need I say more?

For 2011, I’m looking toward a less portly list. So help me. :)